Written answers

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

11:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will publish a new Departmental policy on the drug and drink testing of all safety critical transport workers whether in public or private transport companies; if he will introduce a new and comprehensive departmental policy in terms of the psychological testing of safety critical workers in the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23273/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to Questions Nos. 16 of 6th March 2008 and 63 of 8th May 2008, which set out the position regarding drug and drink testing of transport workers.

The psychological testing of safety critical workers is a matter for the recruitment policies and practices of individual transport companies and, in the case of some occupations in aviation, the licensing requirements that apply.

In the railway sector, I am informed that Iarnród Éireann uses a psychometric testing programme as part of its recruitment and promotion process. As part of its recruitment and selection process, Veolia Transport requires all Luas Tram Drivers to be assessed fit for driving by the Company's independent medical adviser.

In relation to bus passenger services, I am informed by Dublin Bus that the company conducts a comprehensive pre-employment medical examination on all employees. I am also informed that in Bus Éireann, psychometric testing forms part of the selection process as does a stringent pre-employment medical examination.

In the aviation sector there are comprehensive "physical and mental" requirements in the medical standard (established by international convention) which must be met for the grant of a licence to persons in the aviation industry such as professional air transport pilots and air traffic controllers. Licence holders are subject to periodic medical examination.

In the maritime sector, internationally trading ships are generally required to comply with the International Maritime Organisation's ISM (International Safety Management) Code. Domestic trade passenger ships proceeding to sea and domestic trade cargo ships in excess of 500 gross tonnage are also subject to safety management requirements for the company to identify all hazards and to manage the associated risks.

In addition, the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Regulations 2005 requires seafarers, employed or engaged in any capacity on board every seagoing ship, whether publicly or privately owned, to hold a valid certificate attesting to their medical fitness for the work for which they are employed.

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